One of our ministry leaders retired only to get a job offer he could not refuse.
Well, okay, he could have said no, but it was too much money. He could put more feathers in his retirement nest. Plus he liked being wanted, and he loved being part of a team.
But how could he be so lucky? Because when opportunity knocked, he was prepared. He already knew how to get, make and evaluate job offers. We thought we would share with you too.
In the new world of work, you do not just wait for offers, you make offers. Let’s say you see an opportunity you believe is right for you. In your mind, you have already selected it, even though there is no offer to accept.
Think “ME, Inc.” Consider yourself a 1-person corporation owned by God. No matter who you seek and what they want, identify needs and propose solutions. Figure out what they want accomplished, and recommend how they can get the results they want. Be open to being hired as an employee, a self-employed contractor or a business owner providing a service.
To Get an Offer
- Follow-up every week for 7 weeks with the decision-maker by either email, phone call or even letter.
- Every week, demonstrate that you are the most prepared, most passionate and also qualified.
- Each week look for news or information to highlight your message of what you do that they need most.
- Search for other opportunities in case this one goes away.
- If you get an offer from a second employer, tell the first employer.
To Make an Offer
- Write a one-page proposal with five parts: their needs, your services, time, results and money.
- Describe their needs as described in job posting and interview.
- Describe the services you provide that meets their needs.
- Outline a recommended work plan, timeline and estimated cost.
- Describe the results they can expect.
- Seek to talk the proposal through with them, make changes, then send a final written proposal.
To Evaluate an Offer
If an offer is made, listen attentively and respectfully. Take notes and repeat to verify the offer. If you are not clear about any aspect of the offer, ask questions. If it is a professional or salaried position, ask for the offer to be put in writing and sent to you. Do not immediately debate or negotiate. Do not accept or decline. Tell them how appreciative and interested you are. Ask when an answer is needed.
If you receive a written offer, review it carefully. Make notes of questions. If you are not good with details, ask a trusted family member or friend to review the written offer. Call or email the key contact person with questions. If you have concerns or you need to negotiate, seek to meet them in-person.
A job is not just what you do 8 hours (or more) a day; a job involves the organization, other employees, a boss and so much more. Getting to know the full scope of the opportunity takes work. So let’s get started!
- Understand the title, the reporting relationships, the hours of work per week, the amount of travel.
- Find out details such as the expected dress code, working hours and if telecommuting is available.
- Get a feel for the culture, especially the personalities and values of the key players.
Understand the employment offer by asking these questions:
- What is the starting salary? What is the total salary range for the position? Is the offer flexible?
- How often are performance and salary reviewed?
- Is there commission or bonus? How much is it? What is it based on? When is it paid?
- Is there a hiring bonus? Ask about reimbursement for lost bonus from current employer.
- Is there use of a car or is there a car allowance?
- Is equity in the company available in the form of stock or options?
- What about 401(k) and savings plans?
- Is there insurance (health, dental, life, disability, other)?
- Are there deferred compensation plans, savings plans, etc.?
- If relocation is required, what is covered? The move? House sale?
- Temporary living? Commuting?
Another one of our ministry leaders was one of the best-ever negotiators as it related to compensation and benefits. No matter what the situation or how much experience he had, he always used a check-list to be sure he missed nothing. Attached is his Understanding the Offer worksheet that we hope will work for you.
7-Step Action Plan
We teach a 7-step action plan that helps you to hear God calling, maximize your potential, and get the right job. Click to preview our 7-Step PDF or Buy Now below.
